Scripps Howard Communication Internship program

Making an impact on students and nonprofits

Since 2002, the Scripps Howard Foundation has funded more than 800 internships in the Greater Cincinnati region.

The Scripps Howard Communication Internship program began to further communication students’ education with hands-on experience, as well as offer additional support to nonprofit organizations in the region where both The E.W. Scripps Company and the Scripps Howard Foundation are headquartered.

The program has been mutually beneficial for students and nonprofits. Students learn new skills and the inner workings of the nonprofit world from their supervisors. In return, students apply what they’ve learned in the classroom – and even enlighten their managers on new forms of media.

Internship blossoms into career

By Emma Nelson Xavier University

In the spring of 2016, I applied to be the development intern at Lighthouse Youth & Family Services in Cincinnati. As a Sociology and Communication Studies student at Xavier University, I had the framework to understand the impact that development and fundraising have on a non-profit organization. However, I had little knowledge of just how to get the most out of my time there and if this was where I wanted to steer my career path.

Right before my internship began, I found out that I had been chosen to be a Scripps Howard intern, meaning that I would be getting paid for my time at Lighthouse! More than thrilled, I started on my first day of work, eager and ready to learn.

I was warmly welcomed by everyone I met and was quickly learning all the different aspects of what Lighthouse does to advance the dignity and well being of those in need. I developed donor relation strategies, database skills, event planning details, and practiced my internal and external communication approaches.

I was super bummed to leave at the end of the semester.

As I began to pack up my desk and leave for winter break, Lighthouse found room in their own budget to keep me for another semester, where I was able to help plan the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year!

It’s now been a full year since my first day as a Scripps Howard intern. In less than a month, I will start my first day at Lighthouse again, yet this time as a full-time employee. I’m looking forward to what development and grants have in store for me next!

Apply now for 2019 internship grant

How can my organization get a paid intern?

The program is open to nonprofit organizations throughout Greater Cincinnati. If you’re interested in a grant to pay a communication intern, you can submit an application for a 2019 communication intern program between Aug. 1 and Sept. 15.

Want to learn more?

Join us Tuesday, Aug. 21, at 3 p.m. for program overview and refresher with Q&A. To join the conference call, RSVP to Grants@Scripps.com and we'll send you details and materials.

How does the internship program work?

Participating nonprofits complete a description of internship responsibilities, qualifications and the internship timeframe.

The Foundation sends the descriptions to its local partner schools – Northern Kentucky University, University of Cincinnati and Xavier University – for professors and career development advisers to share with their communication students.

Students apply directly to the organizations, which are responsible for the interviewing and hiring of interns.

The organization submits information about the student it has hired along with the total number of hours the intern will work. The Foundation then provides a grant to the organization to pay the intern for his/her work.

When do the interns work?

The internship supervisor at the nonprofit and the intern work together to determine the ideal schedule.

During the academic year, students may work no more than 15 hours per week.

Internships are offered in three cycles: the spring semester, summer and fall semester.

How many interns can I hire?

If you’re a participating organization, the Scripps Howard Foundation will fund one grant per year for a communications intern.

If you’re a communications major at Northern Kentucky University, the University of Cincinnati or Xavier University, you can learn about internship opportunities through your school’s internship coordinator and career services department.